CHAPTER 10: LEAP OF FAITH

Norrin returned to the present moment back in the enchanted hall. He was refreshed and energized, the stinging cuts and wounds he sustained from the fight with the griffon were all mended. In fact, he noticed all his injuries were healed, even the lingering pains in his knees from the years of overuse, and the persistent dull ache of a shoulder injury that never quite fully recovered. All those old pains were gone from his body. The dark chamber he stood in was now lit and clear, and the doorway on the far wall was open. Beyond lied his pathway to freedom. If Nassima could get him across the abyss as promised.

On cue, Nassima materialized by his side, her figure still transparent with a soft glowing turquoise aura about her. Her spirit form was fully armored again, and now appeared at her normal height, which was almost equal in height to Norrin. Although, it was hard for him to tell because she hovered a few centimeters above the ground. Her eyes were alight with enthusiasm, and she gave Norrin a warm smile, which surprised him. He saw her smile in his flashbacks but seeing it now in the present moment had a different meaning to him.

“You have led a fascinating life, Norrin.” She told him with a wink.

But the statement weighed heavy on Norrin. The experience of reliving all his memories shook him to his core. In addition, he had another person, a powerful warrior to be specific, with him witnessing everything. The entire event caused many of his insecurities to surface.

“Are you sure I am someone you want to be bound to?” He muttered. He turned his face away from Nassima, to not look her in the eyes. He became very self-conscious of his life and the decisions he made. There were times in his past he was ashamed of, and memories that hurt too much. He had pushed those things to the back of his mind. Locking them away so he would not feel their pain again, but now those memories were back and he had to face them again.

“It was not just a light-hearted statement,” Nassima told him. “I did not scan the entirety of your memories, I picked only the key moments that led you to me. What I saw of your life was very interesting to me.”

Norrin breathed a silent sigh of relief.

“In those moments I saw glimpses of your happiness and heartaches, and episodes of your troubles and triumphs,” Nassima continued. “But also, I saw your ability to stay calm and composed, even as madness descended upon the world around you. I also saw something you do not know about yourself; you have an inner counsel that you subconsciously listen to and follow with conviction. This inner guide connects you with a power beyond your knowledge. It drives you to do right by others. It helps you push through hard times in your life. This is a quality that is endearing to me and justifies my belief that giving you access to my powers is the right thing to do.”

Nassima moved so she could look Norrin in his face, “Your past is not as important as our future and next steps. I do not need you to be a perfect person that saves the day. I need you to be able to help me. I have seen you are smart, kind, true to yourself, and always do your best. So, this is good enough for me,” she assured him. Her words made Norrin raise his head in pride.

“The bond between us is complete.” Nassima said. “My powers are available to you now, because my essence is connected to your mind and body. I cannot read your mind though, so you will have to speak with me in a direct manner if you need my attention. But know that I will be only visible to you, and that you can only hear my voice.”

“So, I have to speak to you out loud? People will think I have finally lost my mind.” Norrin laughed. He was trying his hand at humor to lighten the mood, but Nassima did not pick up on his intentions.

“What other people think should not be your concern,” she snapped, “you already know this. But if it is a problem, you can speak to me in a whisper, I will hear you fine.”

Norrin gave a meek shake of his head. She scolded him like a child. Nassima was not a goddess, but she still was a powerful entity and commanded respect. He realized she was trying to have a serious moment between the two of them, and he ruined it by making jokes. He did not hesitate to change the subject.

“Alright, I have your powers now, show me what I can do.”

Nassima’s face softened and her grin returned. She seemed eager to be free of her imprisonment.

“Focus on the platform, run forward a few steps and jump. Trust me and yourself, and you will be able to cross over the void.” She instructed him.

Norrin’s face screwed up in skepticism. Again, Nassima made everything sound too easy.

“That’s it? …just jump?”

"Yes, you will clear the gap easily. Trust me."

"Okay..." Norrin replied with a shrug as he stepped back to the opposite end of the platform and made a mental calculation to the distance to the edge. While he was contemplating the jump, Norrin knelt to check the straps on his boots were tightened. Nassima watched his routine with curiosity.

“What are those?” She asked pointing at the boots.

“They’re my own design,” Norrin beamed, “Steelsnake skin upper. Cushioned midsole for comfort. A waterproof textured outsole for traction and grip. These boots are one of the most important and most expensive parts of my equipment. A Chaser’s boots are source of pride for us, because they are unique to each Chaser. We always compare and contrast each other’s footwear, but, everyone keeps their designs, sources and manufacturers a guarded secret. It’s like a little insider competition to have the best looking, most practical and most comfortable pair possible. You like?”

“They are… something,” Nassima replied with indifference.

“Yeah, that’s the response I usually get outside of the guild.” Norrin laughed.

Norrin turned his focus back to the jump. He concentrated on the landing of the far wall just as she told him. He took a few quick breaths to pump himself up and raced toward the edge. One step away his eyes grew wide as he approached the void. He skidded to a stop at the last minute, landing and sliding on his backside to keep from falling off the platform.

“Why did you stop?!” Nassima questioned with her palm to her forehead.

“We’re going to have to come up with another plan. There is no way I will make that jump!” Norrin told her with an exasperated look.

“You think I would tell you to jump if I did not think you would make it?”

“I don’t know! This could all be some cruel joke! Maybe you are just trying to get rid of me.”

“Really? Did you forget so quickly that we are bonded now! I told you if you die, my spirit will be lost too! I am offended that you would think so little of me. You must trust me and not be afraid. You are not a coward Norrin Shai, do not start acting like one!”

“Alright fine! You want me to jump! I’ll jump!” Norrin said angrily as he stomped his way to the back of the platform.

Nassima paced by his side as he measured the distance again. She projected complete confidence in his ability to cross the void. Yet, Norrin still feared it was too far of a jump. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his heart started beating faster. His anxiety was telling him he couldn’t do it, that he would fail.

"I feel your fear Norrin," Nassima said softly "And I understand why you have your doubts. But I assure you with my powers I have made this leap a thousand times. You have my power now, and it will not let you down. Drive these negative thoughts out of your mind and jump!"

Norrin took her words to heart. The stories told of Nassima's incredible powers, she could move like the wind and leap across mountains. According to her, he now had those powers too. He just needed to trust that her word was true.

Alright buck-o let’s get it going, he thought as he took a deep breath, calmed his nerves and focused. He sprinted toward the edge of the platform deciding to put all of his faith in the words of Nassima.